Cody Story- No More Fear

          I often take Cody to church with me because we attend a small church and Cody loves visiting the children's ministry. Last Sunday after the service a young mom and her 5 year old daughter came to greet Cody. The little girl had a fresh scar over her left eye and the mother explained to me that she had recently been attacked by a dog. The woman wanted her daughter to overcome her fear of dogs and thought Cody would be the perfect dog to help her daughter do that. Unfortunately the little girl refused to have anything to do with Cody and left. I was very disappointed because I believe dogs are put on this earth to provide healing and comfort and this little girl only saw dogs as a creature of pain and fear. I don't think anyone should have to go through life fearing "Man's Best Friend".
        While Cody continued to delight the other children with his mild manner, interesting tricks, and overall fluffiness, I watched the little girl with the scar sitting across the room watching Cody. She eventually left her chair and slowly made her way across the room, stopping often to just stare at Cody. When she finally made it to me most of the other children had left with their parents and Cody was dozing on the floor. She softly asked if she could pet my dog and after many reassurances that Cody wouldn't move or hurt her she began petting my dog. By the time the little girl's mother found her she was laying on the floor hugging and talking to Cody.
         I was so proud of this little girl for overcoming her fears and for doing it all on her own. I had been very surprised when she approached Cody without her mother and was delighted to see the doubt and fear slip from her face. I am also very proud of my Cody for some how knowing that all this little girl need was for him to lay there and look as much like a teddybear as possible. I didn't have to direct him in any way, he knew that in order to help that little girl he needed to lay down and not move(he never moved the entire time, he didn't even turn his head to see who was touching and hugging him). I believe Cody was in church that day for one purpose only and that was to help began to heal that little girl and only God can plan a meeting like that.